Following Pope Francis’ death on Monday, world leaders remembered him as “a beacon of compassion.”
Here are some key tributes to the 88-year-old pontiff:
‘Rest in Peace’: Trump
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! “May God bless him and everyone who loved him!” US President Donald Trump, who has clashed with the Argentine pontiff on a number of issues, wrote on his Truth Social page. “He was a good man who worked hard and loved the world,” Trump added later.
He also stated that he will attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome. Former US President Joe Biden, a Catholic, stated that Francis “will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time, and I am better for having known him.”
‘Defender of justice’: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin described Francis as a “wise” religious leader, a “statesman,” and a “consistent defender of the high values of humanism and justice,” who actively promoted dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
‘Courageous’: Britain
King Charles, who is also the head of the Church of England and was one of the last foreign dignitaries to meet the pope, said he was “deeply saddened” by Francis’ death, adding that “despite his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
Wise despite ‘differences’: Argentina’s leader
Football is great. Lionel Messi thanked Pope Francis on Monday for “making the world a better place,” while the late pontiff’s favourite club, San Lorenzo, praised his decades-long “passion” for the team. Argentina declared seven days of mourning for the Pope. “Despite differences that now appear minor, knowing him in his goodness and wisdom was a true honour for me,” Argentine President Javier Milei wrote on social media.
‘A great man has left us’: Italy
“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. “It is deeply sad news, because a great man has left us,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated.
Inspired Refugee Team at Olympics
The International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, stated that the pope inspired him to establish the Olympic refugee team. In a tribute, Bach stated that the IOC had lost “a great friend and supporter”.
“His powerful voice in support of refugees is a shining example of his commitment, and it inspired me to create the first-ever refugee Olympic team for the Olympic Games Rio 2016,” she said in a statement.
‘A faithful friend’: Palestinian president
“Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said, adding that the pope “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican.”
Indelible impression
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape said said Pope Francis’s visit to his country’s capital and a jungle outpost last year had inspired a nation that has long felt forgotten.
Francis celebrated a mass for tens of thousands of people at a stadium in Port Moresby before travelling to Vanimo, a jungle-clad coastal community. “His engagements with our young people and church leaders left an indelible impression on all who witnessed them,” Marape told me. “His words and presence inspired our people, reminding us to care for the vulnerable, to act justly, and to walk humbly with God.”
‘Profound legacy’: Spain
“I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His dedication to peace, social justice, and the most vulnerable leaves a lasting impact. “Rest in peace,” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. Real Madrid football players held a minute’s silence before they started training.
‘Heart open to all’: Philippines
“Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and forgotten,” said Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, describing him as a man of “profound faith and humility”.
Buddhist tribute
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, praised Pope Francis for having “dedicated himself to the service of others… consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life.” The Buddha’s teacher stated: “The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can” .
‘Defender of the environment’: Japan PM
“The demise of Pope Francis is not only a great loss for the people of the Vatican and Catholics, but also for the international community,” said Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, remembering him as an environmentalist and diplomat in the name of peace.
Nigeria leader hails pope’s climate action
On Monday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu praised Pope Francis for his efforts to combat climate change. “Today, with a heavy heart, I join the Catholic faithful and Christians worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Tinubu told reporters. “Alas, the Lord called him home… making the world lose its most trenchant voice for justice and action against climate change.”
